(a) Discuss Paul's teaching on the ideal family relationship. (b) Mention three areas in which many families have deviated from this teaching.

Answer Details

(a) Paul's teaching on the ideal family relationship (Ephesians 5:22-6:9; Colossians 3:18-4:1)

Paul sets out a Christian household in which each member has clear duties, all rooted in reverence for Christ and mutual submission: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

• Wives and husbands: Wives should submit to their husbands as to the Lord, for the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is head of the church. Husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it, and as they love their own bodies, nourishing and cherishing them. Marriage reflects the union of Christ and the church.
• Children and parents: Children should obey their parents in the Lord, for this is right, and honour their father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise. Fathers should not provoke their children to anger but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
• Servants and masters: Servants should obey their earthly masters sincerely as serving Christ, and masters should treat servants justly, without threatening, knowing that they too have a Master in heaven who shows no partiality.

The ideal is a home marked by love, respect, obedience, discipline and fairness, ordered under the lordship of Christ.

(b) Three areas in which many families have deviated from this teaching

1. Breakdown of love and submission between spouses: quarrels, unfaithfulness, domestic violence and divorce have replaced love and mutual respect.
2. Neglect of children's upbringing: many parents fail to discipline and give godly instruction, while some provoke or abuse their children, and many children disobey and dishonour their parents.
3. Injustice and disregard of duties: employers/masters oppress and cheat those under them, and workers/servants serve unfaithfully; the fear of God is often absent in family and household dealings.